After initial work on cleaning and restoring the Museum’s  Newsham Fire Engine, one thing became very apparent; if we were going to continue working on it over the winter, then it would have to come indoors. This is essential because of the need for light, and the need to stabilise the wood and metal parts in an atmosphere similiar to what will be the engine’s long term home – the new Museum.

A plan was hatched between Colin, Derek and David to collect the engine from the offsite store, put it on a trailer and drive it over to the workshop in  Letchworth. The plan worked smoothly, through a combination of ingenuity, hardboard, rope, careful driving, and a few “it has to fit” moments.

The engine is now safely in Letchworth Museum, stabilising in a warmer and drier atmosphere, whilst further research is undetraken on restoration of the wheels and pipework.

Pictured below is a very intriguing item from the collection. It is believed to date from the late 17th century. It is made of wood, leather, paper and glass and is about the size of a pack of cards. It is an early example of a moving picture show.  The paper is held between two rollers, and by turning the rollers together, the pictures move on, creating a cross between a slide show and a comic strip. The tale told is of a plot, made up by Titus Oates,  to kill King Charles II in 1678. He was subsequently discredited and imprisoned after having caused 15 people to be wrongly executed.

While working on the fire engine, the team have looked into other similar “Newsham” engines around the country, and came across a recently restored engine, now displayed at Royal Wootton Bassett. Arrangements were made to meet the restoration and project team at the Museum (located in the Old Town Hall of Wootten Bassett), to learn from their experience and to broaden our knowledge.

The engine is displayed in a purpose built case, underneath the Town Hall, and is a well loved feature of the town.

Thanks are due to Dave Thompson and Chris, who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm with us and opened up the display case so that we could examine things close up.  It was very interesting to learn about a completed project and about the issues that we still face, and pitfalls that we can avoid,  during our conservation and restoration of the Offley fire engine.